The Cambridge Police Department is warning residents in West Cambridge and Peabody of an increase in break-ins from motor vehicles.

Between Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, there were nine reported motor vehicle break-ins in those two neighborhoods, alone.

Money, a purse and a backpack were targeted in at least five of the reported incidents. Two of the nine incidents involved vehicles that were unlocked.

“Anything visible is an invitation to a car break and a crime of opportunity for a thief,” said Deputy Superintendent Paul Ames. “We cannot stress enough how important it is for people to remove any and all items from their vehicles and to always, always lock the doors.”

Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their vehicles, and their belongings from a theft:

NEVER LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR.

Make sure all of your car doors are locked and windows are rolled up when leaving your vehicle, including when parked in a residential driveway.

If you must leave packages or valuables in your car, place them in the trunk or under a blanket to conceal them so that they are not exposed.

If you are a victim of this type of crime, even if your vehicle was not damaged or you did not suffer the loss of valuables, it is important that you report the incident to police at 617-349-3300.

Residents are encouraged to access the BridgeStat Monthly Crime Reports at www.CambridgePolice.org/BridgeStat for more information on this crime and other trends in the city.

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The Cambridge Police Department is committed to the enforcement of laws and preservation of order that protect the rights and property of every person within the City of Cambridge. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of police service and to impact crime, and its associated elements, through the utilization of new and proven crime prevention strategies and problem-solving partnerships with our community. For more information, follow @CambridgePolice on Twitter, or access the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CambridgePolice.